NOT so long ago, anyone who suggested tourists would be flocking to Inverclyde was regarded as being almost insane.

How times have changed.

Port Glasgow’s popular Newark Castle re-opens today after the winter break, this year will see a Scottish record number of cruise ship passengers arriving at the Ocean Terminal, and more berths are being created at the increasingly popular James Watt Dock Marina.

Now comes the opening of the Heritage Inverclyde Coastal Trail, with the first of two dozen information points placed outside Greenock’s iconic Custom House.

This should complement the commendable work being done by the enterprising Inverclyde Tourist Group, who received the Royal seal of approval by being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in recognition of their tireless assistance to the many thousands calling here on cruises.

The Coastal Communities Fund, which delivers financial support on behalf of the Scottish Government, is decidedly upbeat about the trail, saying it will ‘bring the stories and places to life, attract more visitors to Inverclyde and position the area as a key attraction in the west of Scotland’.

Perhaps many of us don’t always appreciate fully the spectacular surroundings on our doorstep, or indeed, the interesting aspects of local history.

This trail will address these issues, and hopefully open up Inverclyde to a new treasure trove of visitors.

Marketing our scenery and heritage in this imaginative way could create jobs and help our economy — and there is nothing insane about that!